In this modification of the equatorial type, heat is tempered by altitude. Temperatures are remarkably uniform though much lower than those of the lowlands. The rainfall is less than in the lowland areas and tends to be seasonal. The best example of this type is found on the Plateaus of Ecuador and Colombia, in South America, where the climate has been described, somewhat optimistically, as perpetual spring'. Crops such as barley and wheat are grown for local needs, ripen with difficulty. Stock rearing is the chief occupation.
Tropical highlands, though rugged in terrain and lacking transportational facilities, have tome population, as the climate there is invigorating and healthy. The distribution of highlands is unevenly scattered in the tropical zone. Mountainous regions and plateaus of Middle America, Andes in South America, highlands of West Indies and Eastern Brazil, East central African highlands covering the portions of Ethiopia, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, South-East Asian mountains scattered throughout Indonesia, the Philippines and the islands of the Pacific ocean come in the tropical highland region.
It is very difficult to have one pattern of climatic elements because of difference in exposure and elevations. The only similarity visible is that all tropical highlands have the low range of temperature. Exposed surfaces have intense sunshine and rapid cooling. Highlands get more precipitation than the neighboring lowlands. The highlands influenced by the equatorial type of climate receive the rainfall every month, but it is not so in the monsoon regions. There are always chances of fluctuation.
In the tropical highlands vegetation cover includes the tropical rain forests, zones of broad leaf evergreens, deciduous broad leafs and belt of conifers.
Agricultural activities are restricted and adjusted according to the altitudinal positions. In the highest zone of agriculture only potatoes can be produced. It can be produced even at the elevation of 14,000 feet. Grains are produced between 10,000 and 13,000 feet in Southern American highlands. Coffee is one of the major commercial crops in Colombia, Middle American and West Indies. In the African highland coffee, sisal, tea, cotton, sugarcane, tobacco and wheat are produced.
Minerals in the Andes include copper and tin. Tin deposits are centered in Bolivia with the chief mining areas having elevations up to 1800 feet. Silver, lead, gold, zinc and copper are mined in Mexico. Brazil has high quality iron reserve in central Minas Gerais. In Africa, mining is a difficult task but during the recent years it has gained momentum particularly in Tanzania. Diamonds, gold, tin, lead and mica are the main products as a result of intensive program of mining.
In South American highlands industry has been developed for local consumption and also to bolster their economy. Sao Paulo, Brazil is the leading industrial centre. Brazil leads in the iron and steel industry. Mexican factories include iron and steel, textiles, pottery, food products. Mexico city is the centre of industrial activity. Sao, Paulo, Mexico City. Caracas, and outstanding city Venezuela, Quito, Equador, Bogota, the capital of Columbia are industrial centres of South American highlands at the elevation of 2700 feet to 12000 feet from the sea level. Addis Ababa and Nairobi are two principal urban centres of African highlands.
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